• To celebrate this achievement, Etihad Airways upgraded a couple travelling from India to visit their children in Canada, to The Residence.
• Etihad Airways' fleet size has reached more than 100 aircraft.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Etihad Airways continues to achieve milestones for the first time in its history in a record-breaking year.

Speaking about the matter, Antonaldo Neves, Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, said: “Over the past 12 months, Etihad Airways has witnessed significant success, breaking records and achieving tremendous achievements at an astonishing speed. After recording impressive financial results in the first quarter of the year, with profits of AED 685 million and the highest customer satisfaction ratings ever, the number of guests traveling with Etihad Airways exceeded 20 million last year, for the first time in the company’s history.

“We continue our upward trajectory as part of a broader growth strategy that has seen our annual passenger numbers double from 10 million to 20 million in just two and a half years. This sustained growth is driven by growing demand, a dynamic global network, and a clear strategic focus.”

He added: "We are the only airline experiencing growth at this pace in the region, and we have no intention of slowing down. 2025 is proving to be our best year yet."

To celebrate carrying 20 million passengers around the world, Etihad Airways offered a host of surprises to a lucky couple traveling from New Delhi to visit their daughters in Toronto.

Mr. and Mrs. Chopra were surprised by upgrades throughout their journey, starting with a fully flat-bed business class experience on an A350 from New Delhi to Abu Dhabi. Mr. Chopra expressed his excitement, saying, “We have never flown in business or first class before… It is a lifetime experience—a once-in-a-lifetime experience!”

Upon their arrival at Zayed International Airport, Mark Potter, General Manager of Etihad Guest, welcomed the couple to the Etihad Airways First Class Lounge and upgraded them to Etihad Guest Gold tier. The biggest surprise came on the final leg of their journey, when Mr. and Mrs. Chopra were upgraded to The Residence, the unique three-room suite, on the A380 from Abu Dhabi to Toronto. The couple expressed their delight, saying, “Thank you so much, Etihad! This is a wonderful and unforgettable surprise! We feel like celebrities now, thank you!”

Etihad Airways has added three aircraft to its expanding fleet, achieving a new milestone, bringing the operational fleet size to more than 100 aircraft. It also welcomed back its seventh Airbus A380 into service and received a new Boeing 787-9B , which arrived from Charleston, USA, with an all-Emirati crew. In addition, Etihad took delivery of the first of three new Airbus A350-1000 aircraft today (July 18).

Etihad Airways boasts one of the youngest fleets in the industry and continues to make strategic investments to meet strong guest demand. The airline is expected to receive 18 additional new aircraft in 2025, including its new fleet of A321LRs , which will enter service on August 1. These aircraft feature luxurious First Class cabins, fully flat-bed Business Class seats, high-definition screens, and high-speed internet access in all classes, enabling guests to stay connected throughout their flight. Earlier this year, the airline announced an order for 28 wide-body aircraft from Boeing to support its plans for growth, connectivity, operational efficiency, and an enhanced guest experience .

With its recent announcement of seven new destinations, Etihad Airways will have added 27 destinations to its global network this year. This significant achievement reflects the airline's ambition and commitment to increasing the number of visitors to Abu Dhabi, with flights to approximately 90 destinations worldwide by the end of 2025. Capitalizing on its strategic geographic location linking Europe and Asia, this is part of Etihad's ongoing strategy to support the emirate's economic growth.

These achievements represent a major step towards the goals set by Etihad Airways in its ambitious growth strategy, which aims to expand its network to more than 125 destinations, increase its fleet to more than 170 aircraft, and increase the number of passengers to 38 million annually by 2030. With rapid growth across all fronts, the airline is expected to exceed the expectations of its seven-year strategic growth plan, reflecting exceptional demand and customer satisfaction .

Etihad Airways' success reflects the strength of Abu Dhabi's aviation sector, with its continued growth and strategic momentum, confirming the emirate's position as a leading global gateway for passengers and cargo.

About Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, was founded in 2003 and quickly became one of the world's leading airlines. Based in Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways operates passenger and cargo flights across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and North America. Etihad's network, along with its codeshare partners, provides access to hundreds of international destinations. In recent years, Etihad has received numerous awards for its superior service and products, cargo offerings, loyalty program, and other services that distinguish the airline.

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